Disappointing To Say The Least

The season started with so much promise, hope and dare I say it, expectation. But now it has petered away like the British summer. The results have been bad and the performances much worse. The worst bit is, it doesn’t look like things will change for the better.

The Albion sit in the relegation zone once again, with even less points than under the failed guidance of Micky Adams this time last season. Luck, or lack of it has played a part, but in truth, we are in the relegation zone because we are not good enough.

The euphoria of staying up last season has worn off, and yet again, we are subjected to dire, losing football. I don’t think people mind losing so much, but it is the way we are losing. No fight or passion seems to be the problem. Couple that with aimless long punts and generally negative formations and tactics, you can see why fans are becoming restless.

If we go a goal down, we tend to lose, and there isn’t any motivation in the players during games to try and inspire a comeback. We have conceded the first goal in 7 games this season, and our return from that is one point (away at Millwall).

The Oldham game was yet another miserable day at Withdean, possibly the worst since losing to 9 man Walsall last season. There just seemed to be nothing, despite playing against a very poor team at home.

Oldham won the game without putting a shot on target through their own attacking play. Once the first goal went in, the team looked like they had accepted defeat. There was no fight to get an equaliser, and every pass was going astray and Oldham were winning every header and tackle.

So how do we change it? Everyone agrees Slade is a likeable chap, but does that make him the right man for the job? Some would argue it is his back room staff that is holding him back. Some say get rid of the lot.

Managerial – Sacking Slade would mean a new man in charge. Dennis Wise and Gary Stevens have been linked in the recent past. A lot of fans would like Steve Coppell to come back and complete what he described as an “unfinished job.” There are lots of names being banded about, but how many are going to be better than Slade? A fresh approach maybe what is needed though.

Back Room Staff – For all the people that want White and Booker out, there doesn’t seem to be any ready made replacements, but the case to keep them seems to be shrinking. Wilkins and Chapman seemed to have the coaching set up nailed, but since their departure, things have gone downhill.

The Keepers – It maybe time to give Kuipers a rest. He has been great over the years, but there are signs time is catching up with him. Graeme Smith had a horror start to his Albion career, conceding 9 in his first two games, but he didn’t play that badly. Walker seems to be a diamond, but at 17, it is way too much pressure to put on his young shoulders.

The Defence – An experienced centre back would also be ideal, as he could mentor Elphick, Tunnicliffe, Virgo or El Abd whilst playing. Tunnicliffe seems to be the best of a bad bunch at the moment, so he deserves a start. Coach them to pass the ball to Dicker or Bennett’s feet. These two players seem to be the only two with any composure and ability to do something that isn’t hoof it.

The Midfield – It all seems a bit one dimensional. Dicker has the composure, Crofts does the donkey work, but between them, there is no real attacking intent as they both sit quite deep. Elliott Bennett is the shining light, but he doesn’t seem to get enough of the ball. Get it to him, and things may improve.

The Attack – Only Forster is causing any real threat. Dickinson has shown glimpses. Murray has never settled, Hart hasn’t scored for 3 years and Davies is out of form and been on loan. Something new is needed and quick, or get Murray firing on all cylinders until the transfer window opens and let him get his move back north.

The Tactics – Everything seems to be negative, just be solid and not concede. There seems to be less emphasis on attack. The negative tactics seem to demotivate the players, so when we go behind, the attacking intent is still not there. We are losing whilst sitting back, so we may as well lose at least trying to attack.

Captain – There is a lack of leadership on the playing field. Adam Virgo for all his effort is not captain material. His lack of form and ill-discipline is not the example that needs to be set. There are of course candidates, but does anyone really stand out? Forster, Dicker or Crofts may be the answer?

The goal is Championship football by the time Falmer is finally open, how we get there depends on Mr Bloom. All in all, I personally don’t think sacking Slade is the answer. I fully understand if he was to go, but I think we need consistency. Slade certainly has the right ideas and talks a good game but his record is very poor.

My answer is to let him have his own coaches that can help him implement his ideas/visions to the team. If we change the whole managerial set up, we need more time to settle down, bed in etc. How long can we keep doing this? It has ruined last season and is having the same effect this year. Can we afford to do it again next season? – the final season before Falmer!

On the plus side, Falmer is coming along nicely and there are still 96 points to play for…

Brett M